This was the end of Franklin’s public life; three years later he died, full of years and honor, with the established reputation of a man of learning, power, and statesmanship. Possessed of a calm dignity that impressed even the frivolous court of France, he added a love of fun such as no other great American public man has shown, except Abraham Lincoln. His Autobiography abounds in delightful pictures of the gawky youth and the serene statesman. His vast powers belong to his country; his great endeavors went into federal government, which he helped to found, to protect, and to restate in the immortal Constitution of 1787. That is his best monument.
GRAVE OF FRANKLIN IN THE CHRIST CHURCH BURIAL GROUND, PHILADELPHIA
The stone nearest the fence covers the bodies of both Franklin and his wife
SUPPLEMENTARY READING
- AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN,
WITH NOTES BY JOHN BIGELOW.
An attractive edition in Everyman’s Library. - SELECTIONS FROM THE WRITINGS OF FRANKLIN
- POOR RICHARD’S ALMANAC
- BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SELF-REVEALED By W. C. Bruce
- THE TRUE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN By S. G. Fisher
- SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN By L. C. Holman
⁂ Information concerning the above books may be had on application to the Editor of The Mentor.